Mar 13
11
Sanaa Review
I feel like I’m always talking about Sanaa and advocating for it on Generation Mouse and I realized I never posted my review of it. Sanaa, located in Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, means “Work of Art” in Swahili and the name really tells you everything you need to know about the restaurant. The decor is artfully done and the restaurant has gorgeous views of the savanna.
My biggest caveat for this restaurant is, if you are in any way a picky eater or if you are adverse to spicy food this restaurant may not be for you. One of the things that I love about this restaurant is how unique it is. Unlike a lot of restaurants on property, Sanaa is unlike anything I can get at home, both in terms of atmosphere and food. They describe the food as African with an Indian flair, which is admittedly unique, but can get spicy.
Looking at the dinner menu, they have a lot of interesting appetizers. From the spicy garlic shrimp to the potato and pea samosas, the appetizers range from $5.99 to $9.99, except for the appetizer sampler for 2 which costs $14.99 for a couple of appetizers.
Next on the menu is the salad sampler where you get your choice of three for $9.99. You can choose from 6 interesting salad choices: Chickpeas with Cucumber and Tomato, Golden Lentils and Tomato, Watermelon, Cucumber, and Fennel, Roasted Beets, and Bhel Puri.
The next section of the menu is what seemed like the least intimidating entree choice to me: Slow-cooked in Gravy, Simple and Well-seasoned. In this section you get to choose two meat choices and either basmati rice or rice pilaf ($21.49). The meat options are Butter Chicken, Spicy Durban Chicken, Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce, Spicy Durban Shrimp, Beef Short Ribs, and Lamb Vindaloo. I chose the Beef Short Ribs and the Shrimp with Green Curry Sauce and the server told me this was the most popular combination. The short ribs were melt in your mouth AMAZING! The shrimp was OK, a little spicy. Honestly, I wished I had just gotten two of the short ribs. The picture makes the portion look small, but honestly I think it was the perfect size, especially if you got an appetizer or the bread service.
From the Tandoor Ovens you have the choice of chicken, shrimp or lamb served with Apricot-Raisin Chutney and choice of Basmati Rice or Five-Grain Pilaf. These entrees range from $17.99 to $20.99.
For any vegetarians out there, they do have a vegetarian sampler which comes with two of the following options: Mixed Seasonal Greens and Tomatoes, Stewed Lentils, Paneer Tikka, Vindaloo-style Vegetables, and Spicy Peas, chickpeas, and potatoes. This also comes with a choice of basmati pilaf for $14.99.
Something I wish I would’ve got to try, and one of the reasons I can’t wait to get back to Sanaa, is the aforementioned Bread Service. For $9.99 for 2 people, you get the choice of 5 breads and 5 accompaniments. For breads, you can choose from Traditional Naan, Garlic Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kulcha, and Pappadum. The accompaniment choices are Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Coconut Chutney, Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, and Tamarind Chutney. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE naan (If you haven’t tried it, I urge you to; Its available at most grocery stores)!
They also have several titillating dessert choices. I chose the Dessert Trio with Chocolate Cake, Tropical Fruit Kulfi, and Chai Cream for $6.99. I loved the cake and the Kulfi but didn’t care for the chai cream (which I should have figured, I’m not a fan of chai tea).
Overall, I would recommend this restaurant when you want to be sort of adventurous. If you’re looking for a quiet, off the beaten path, kind of place, Sanaa is perfect! And you can watch animals while you dine! Definitely check out the full menu before you make an ADR if you are picky eater. If you, like me, don’t really like spicy food, ask your server for suggestions and they will lead you to the safer dishes!
